HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 5, 2006
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER S, 2006
7:00 I'M
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chairperson, Marlaine Szurek.
Roll Call:
Commission Members present-Thompson, Fiorendino, Schmitt, Peterson, and Szurek.
Also present were Jeff Sargent (City Planner), Shelley Hanson (Secretary), and Gary Peterson (Council
Liaison).
Motion by Fiorendino, seconded by Schmitt, to approve the minutes pom the meeting of November 8,
2006. All ayes. MOTION PASSED.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
CASE NUMBER:
APPLICANT:
LOCATION:
REQUEST:
2006-1201
James Richmond
3900 Stinson Boulevard
Conditional Use PeI'mit for Retail Space in the LB, Limited Business
District and Site Plan App,'oval
INTRODUCTION
At this time, Jim Richmond d/b/a Marianne Richmond Studios, Inc. (MRS), is requesting a Conditional
Usc Permit (CUP) for a retail component of his business. The Zoning Code requires a CUP for any
retail not exceeding 2,500 square feet in area for businesses located in the LB, Limited Business District.
Mr. Riclunond is proposing to incorporate approximately 600 square feet of retail space in the former
Silver Lake Clinic building, located at 3900 Stinson Boulevard.
Marianne Richmond Studios, Inc. is a book publisher and gift company. Founded in 1991, the company
produces a range of products, including gift books, greeting cards, and ceramic plates. Customers
include small gifts shops and national chain stores such as Target and Wal-Mart. In addition to
designing its own line of products, the company also licenses, designs and develops products for other
gift companies. There are six full time professionals and six part time employees that work for the
business.
The proposed business located at 3900 Stinson Boulevard will function as a professional 811 studio,
focusing on the design of the products. The business will not produce any of the products on-site. MRS
utilizes local printers and sources out all of the book orders to the Far East. There will be some minimal
storage of products for order fulfillment at the proposed business location. The applicant will also be
constructing a 720 square foot addition to the south end of the building to accommodate a receiving area
for incoming and outgoing shipments.
In the near future, Mr. Riclunond hopes to incorporate a showroom/retail store, which requires the
proposed Conditional Use Permit. Futurc plans also include the opcning of a classroom/conference
facility where Ms, Riclunond can conduct established community education courses and creativity
classes for individuals and corporate clientele.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
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DECEMBER 5, 2006
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Comprehensive Plan guides this parcel as Low Density Residential. The property, however, is
zoned LB, Limited Business. The proposal is consistent with the intent of the City's Comprehensive
Plan for commercially zoned properties.
ZONING ORDINANCE
The property located at 3900 Stinson Boulevard is zoned LB, Limited Business. Professional studios
are specifically listed as a permitted use for this district. As a Conditional Use, retail space not
exceeding 2,500 square feet may be allowed. The applicant is requesting a retail space of approximately
600 square feet.
The applicant is aware of some zoning issues pertaining to the property. The south end of the parking
lot is currently unpaved. As a condition of approval, the applicant will be required to pave the gravel
portion of the driveway. The applicant has also developed a landscape plan, which addresses some
screening requirements of the City when a commercial entity abuts residential uses.
Parking. There are four components to the proposed use of the building. The first is the professional
studio and office component, which requires I parking stall for each 300 square feet of area for the
studio. The second use is the retail component, which also requires I parking stall for each 300 square
feet of retail space. The third use is the conference room, which requires II parking stall for each 3.5
seats based on design capacity. The final use is the storage component, which requires 1 parking stall
for each 3,000 square feet of storage space. The following shows the required number of parking stalls
required for each proposed use:
Use
Square Footage
# Stalls Required
Professional Studio:
Bookstore (Retail)
Assembly Hall
Storage Area
2,990 square feet
600 square feet
36 seats
4,370 square feet
10
2
10
I
TOTAL
23 stalls
The proposed use will require 23 on-site parking stalls. The proposed plans indicate that there will be
26 parking stalls on-site on the property containing the building. Currently, there is a second parking lot
located just north of the building. This parking lot is situated on two separate parcels zoned R2-A, One
and Two Family Residential. The applicant's goal is to be able to accommodate all ofthe parking needs
on the property containing the building, and some day would like to develop the two residentially zoned
properties as single-family homes.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
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DECEMBER 5, 2006
FINDINGS OF FACT
Section 9. I 04 (H) of the Zoning Ordinance outlines 9 conditions that must be met in order for thc City to
grant a Conditional Use Permit. They are as follows:
(a) The use is one of the conditional uses listed for the zoning district in which the property is
located, 01' is a substantially similar use as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
A professional studio is a specific Conditional Use as listed for the LB, Limited Business
District.
(b) The use is in harmony with the general purpose ffild intent ofthe comprehensive plan.
The Comprehensive Plan guides this parcel as Low Density Residential. The property,
however, is zoned LB, Limited Business. The proposal is consistent with the intent of the
City's Comprehensive Plan for commercially zoned properties.
(c) The use will not impose hazards 01' disturbing influences on neighboring properties.
All setback requirements will be met with the proposed addition to the building. The
proposed use of the building is consistent with the types of uses allowed in the LB, Limited
Busii1ess District. For these reasons, the use should not impose hazards or disturbing
influences on neighboring properties.
(d) The use will not substffiltially diminish the use of property in the immediate vicinity.
The use of property in the immediate vicinity will remain unchanged as a result of the
proposed use of the land.
(e) The use will be designed, constructed, operated and maintained in a manner that is
compatible with the appearance of the existing or intended charactcr of the surrounding area.
The intended character of the surrounding area is that of a single family neighborhood and
commercial establishments consistent with the singlej'amily neighborhood. Being that the
proposed use is contained in an existing building with a small addition, the use will be
maintained in a manner compatible with the surrounding area.
(1) The use and property upon which the use is located are adequately servcd by essential public
facilities and services.
The use and property upon which the use is located are adequately served by essential public
facilities and services.
(g) Adequate measures have been or will bc taken to minimize traffic congestion on the public
streets ffild (0 provide for appropriate on-site circulation of traffic.
The City Engineer has reviewed the proposed plans and did not have any issues with traffic
congestion Typically, this type of use does not generate an excess amount of traffic in the
area.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
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DECEMBER 5, 2006
(h) The use will not cause a negative cumulative effect, when considered in conjunction with the
cumulative effect of other uses is the immediate vicinity.
The proposed use is a bookstore, which is permitted as a Conditional Use in the District it is
located. It is intended that the use will not cause a negative cumulative effect on the
immediate vicinity.
(i) The use complies with all other applicable regulations for the district in which it is located.
The use complies with all other applicable regulations for the district in which it is located.
Staff recommends the Planning Commission recommend approval of the proposed retail space for the
professional studio. Sargent went on to explain this also is the Site Plan approval. The setback
requirements are met and landscaping will be added to buffer the site from the residential areas and to
enhance the perimeter of the building. He stated that a condition ofihe approval was to pave the
driveway access.
OUESTION FROM MEMBERS:
Fiorendirio asked if any plans had been submitted for new signage and what restrictions the owner need
to know about. Szurek asked if they would be re-using the existing monument sign. Sargent stated that
he had not received any plans to date, but the sign would need to meet current code requirements.
Szurek asked what type of trucks would be delivering to and from the site and how will they access the
site. James Riclnnond (the owner) told the cOlmnission members that one to two large UPS-type trucks
would be making the deliveries and/or pick-ups from the business. No semi-trailer trucks would be used.
Access would be from either the front or south side of the building on driveways that will be newly
paved.
Sclnnitt questioned why the Comprehensive Plan designates this as Low Density Residential when the
properties along Stinson Blvd. have always been used as business sites. Sargent explained that
inconsistencies sometimcs happen betwcen the Comprehensive Plan and the zarling classification of
properties, especially if the property abuts both residential and commercial sites. Since it is already
zoned for business and used as such, it should be allowed to continue in this capacity.
Sclmlitt asked what the plans were for the comer lot along 40th Avenue. Sargent explained that he
purchased the whole property, but that the north parking lot will be made into additional green space for
now and that sometime in the future the new owner may wish to develop the sites with residential
homes.
Schmitt questioned whether the new owner had plans to install sidewalks to tie into others in the area.
Sargent stated that he is not required to do so, but the owner was receptive to the idea depending on the
cost of doing so.
James Riclnnond (owner) of 4021 Silver Lake Terrace was present to answer further questions.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
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DECEMBER 5, 2006
Fiorendino asked him if he would be re-using the existing sign. Richmond said the current one is an
interior lit sign and their plans are to design one that will be front lit on both sides, and that it will not be
a pylon sign.
Peterson asked what types of books and gifts they carry. Richmond told them they are fully illustrated
"Life Occasion" books created by his wife, who is an artist.
Scrullitt asked why they were moving from their prcsent location near downtown Minneapolis.
Richmond stated this site is larger than thcir prcsent location and it is within walking distance of thcir
home which will be more convenicnt for them. He assured the commission that since he is also a
neighbor to this business site, he wants to clean it up and add landscaping to make it attractive to the
neighborhood. He confirmed that he has no plans to expand the business further than what is currcntly
proposed.
THE PUBLIC I-IEARING WAS OPENED:
Milt Andrews of 2323 40th Avenue lives directly north of the property. He was concerned about the
future plans for the two properties along 40th Avenue, hoping that whatever would be constructed there
would fit into the surrounding neighborhood. After hearing what Mr. Richmond has planned, he is
satisfied and looks forward to the propeliy being improved.
. .
Sargent told Mr. Andrews that if those two parcels are ever developed, a Public Hearing will be held in
order to approve the plan, and he would be notified as a neighboring property owner.
THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED.
Motion by Peterson, seconded by Thompson, that the Plmming Commission recommends the City
Council approve the Conditional Use Permit for retail space no larger than 2,500 square feet for the
building located at 3900 Stinson Boulevard, subject to celiain conditions of approval that have been
found to be necessary to protect the public interest and ensure compliance with the provisions of the
Zoning and Development Ordinance, including:
I. All application materials, maps, drawings and descriptive information submitted with this
application shall become part of the permit.
2. The gravel driveway on the south end of the property shall be resurfaced with a hard-surface
material as approved by the City Engineer.
All ayes. MOTION PASSED.
The attached draft resolution will go to the City Council December 11, 2006.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
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DECEMBER 5, 2006
RESOLUTION NO. XXXX
RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR
MARIANNE RICHMOND STUDIOS, INC.
WITHIN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
WHEREAS, a proposal (Case #2006-1201) has been submitted by Marianne Richmond Studios, Inc. to
the City Council requesting a conditional use permit from the City of Columbia Heights at the following
site:
ADDRESS: 3900 Stinson Boulevard
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: On file at City Hall.
THE APPLICANT SEEKS THE FOLLOWING PERMIT: A Conditional Use Permit pel' Code
Section 9.110 (D)(3)(r), to allow retail sales not exceeding 2,500 square feet in area, in the LB, Limited
Business District.
WHEREAS, the Plmming Conunission has held a public hearing as required by the city Zoning Code
on Dccember 5, 2006;
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered tlic advice and recommendations of the Planning
Commission regarding the effect of the proposed conditional use permit upon the health, safety, and
welfare of the community and its Comprehensive Plan, as well as mlY concerns related to compatibility
of uses, traffic, property values, light, ail', danger of fire, and risk to public safety in the surrounding
areas; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights after
reviewing the proposal, that the City Council accepts and adopts the following findings of the Plmming
Commission:
1. The use is one of the conditional uscs listed for the zoning district in which the property is
located, 01' is a substantially similar use as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
2. The use is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan.
3. The use will not impose hazards 01' distributing influences on neighboring properties.
4. The use will not substantially diminish the use of property in the immediate vicinity.
5. The use will be designed, constructed, operated and maintained in a manner that is compatible
with the appearance of the existing 01' intended character of the surrounding area.
6. The use and property upon which the use is located are adequately served by essential public
facilities and services.
7. Adequate measures have been 01' will be taken to minimize traffic congestion on the public
streets and to provide for appropriate on-site circulation of traffic.
8. The use will not cause a negative cumulative effect, when considered in conjunction with the
cumulative effect of other uses in the immediate vicinity.
9. The use complies with all other applicable regulations for the district in which it is located.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
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DECEMBER 6, 2006
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that the attached conditions, maps, and other information shall
become part of this permit and approval; ffild in granting this permit the city and the applicant agree that
this permit shall become null and void if the project has not been completed within one (1) calendar
veal' after the approval date, subject to petition for renewal ofthe permit.
CONDITIONS ATTACHED:
1. All application materials, maps, drawings and descriptive information submitted with this
application shall become part of the permit.
2. The gravel driveway on the south end of the property shall be resurfaced with a hard-surface
material as approved by the City Engineer.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
OTHER BUSINESS
Sargent said he has been looking over the Zoning Code ffild sees several items that need to be addressed
by the Commission so that changes can be made that will streamline some things and better define
others to provide direction to staff on the requirements to be enforced. He said he will be bringing the
following items to the Commission in Januffi'Y'so that the necessary amendments can be made:
1. To eliminate the need for a CUP for agricultural sales/greenhouses that are annual requests.
2. To address signage issues for temporary signs, ba1111ers, portable, and window signage.
Sargent said that several businesses (especially those along Central Ave) have been utilizing the
above mentioned sign types. Even though there are some guidelines as far as size, it doesn't address
how long they can be used, where they can be used, how many signs, colors, etc.
The members agreed these items need addressing and it was decided to schedule a work session one
hour prior to the regular January meeting to begin working on this.
Szurek then asked if we would start working on the renewal of our Comprehensive Plan that is due
by 2008. Sargent replied that it is a long process and that he will begin looking at that later this
month and will bring this to the commission for input also.
Szurek asked if anything new had been proposed for the Taco Bell site. Sargent said he hasn't heard
anything since their request was denied by the City Council several months ago.
She then asked if the City was pursuing the purchase of certain properties along Central Avenue for a
Municipal Liquor Store. Gary Peterson informed them that they were in the process of purchasing the
old Color Tile building, the Barber Shop and LaCaberna in the 4900 block of Central Ave. for that
purpose.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
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DECEMBER 6, 2006
Sargent said the Comforts of Home project on 37th Avenue is proceeding. They have been waiting for
some further approvals from the Rice Creek Watershed before they can request the Final Plat approval.
Szurek asked if the city was still looking to build a Liquor Store in conjunction with that project.
Sargent said that, yes, they are still pursuing that option also. He explained that a clarification ofthe
language in the ordinance was made regarding the distance between Liquor Stores and schools. lIe said
this language pertains to on sale establishments only, not to off sale retail stores.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 pin. All Ayes.
Respectfully submitted,
d h&ik~ C~l&~c,'0
Shelley Hanson
Secretary